Yafit Sulimani-Aidan, Researcher, Tel Aviv University, Israël
Background: Studies that investigated mentoring relationships among youth in foster care found that mentoring relationships suggested that mentors have the potential to lead to better outcomes. However, many questions remain concerning the identity of the mentors available to youth after leaving care. This study aimed to describe the relationships young adults who left care have with their mentors and the subjective influence the mentor had on their lives. Methods: The sample included 140 young adults who were emancipated from youth villages- a common type of out-of-home setting in Israel. A semi-structured interview protocol was developed, consisting of open-ended questions about the care leavers’ relationships with their mentors. Data analysis included both quantitative methods (e.g., descriptive analysis, frequency counts) and qualitative analysis (e.g., Thematic analysis, quantitative analysis). Results: Findings showed that almost half of the mentors were within the care placement (N = 65, 47.44 %). Thematic analysis revealed two main themes and eight subthemes that arose from the care leavers’ descriptions of their mentors: The first portrayed a present, accessible and supportive mentor. The second main theme included a motivating and catalyzing mentor. Conclusions and implications: The study emphasizes the contribution of mentoring relationships to the young adults’ resilience during the transition to adulthood. Implications for practice highlight the importance of promoting a « »mentoring policy » » within care settings, to enable youth to continue their relationships with their mentors during their challenging transition from care to independent living.
References
Ahrens, K., DuBois, D. L., Richardson, L., Fan, M., & Lozano, P. (2016).Youth in foster care with adult mentors during adolescence have improved adult outcomes. Pediatrics, 121, 246?252.
DuBois, D. L., Holloway, B., Valentine, J., & Cooper, H. (2002). Effectiveness of mentoring programs for youth: A meta-analytic review. American Journal of Community Psychology, 30, 157?197.
Greeson, J. K., Usher, L., & Grinstein-Weiss, M. (2010). One adult who is crazy about you: Can natural mentoring relationships increase assets among young adults with and without foster care experience?. Children and Youth Services Review, 32(4), 565-577.
Key-words: care leavers, mentoring, transition to adulthood